356 An Unfortunate Case of Spinal Injury and Bladder Dysfunction During the Covid-19 Pandemic

There is no doubt that COVID-19 has had a profound impact on every medical and surgical speciality. In the height of the pandemic many non-emergency services were shut down, including dental services, with unexpected consequences. We present a case which highlights the unexpected and indirect consequences of a national lockdown on a Urology patient and discuss learning points.

A 54-year-old male, previously fit and well suffered with a small dental abscess, media outlets were reporting that dental surgeries were closed, and he therefore attempted to drain the abscess himself. The infection spread to his epidural space, causing compression via a collection at L2 and consequently spinal cord injury. This was managed with urgent lumbar decompression and antibiotics.

A specialist functional urology team were involved after his transfer to the tertiary spinal unit 3 months after his first presentation. He was catheterised but suffered with recurrent catheter blockages. Video urodynamics demonstrated a stable bladder with a low-pressure leak point, managed with urethral catheterisation. A repeat video urodynamics demonstrated a loss of compliance and stress incontinence. Unclear as to whether he would regain function rehabilitation techniques are currently being attempted prior for definitive operative management with an artificial sphincter.

This case highlights the indirect impact of COVID-19 on UK urology services, and this has not been widely reported.

965 Complication Rates in Operatively Managed Ankle Fracture/Dislocations - The Effect of Pre-Reduction Imaging and Compliance with BOAST 12 Guidance

Aim

The BOAST-12 guidelines for the management of ankle fractures aims to optimise functional recovery and reduce complications. They advise against having radiographs prior to urgent reduction of clinically deformed ankles as it could cause an unacceptable delay to subsequent management. Our study aimed to assess the effect of time to acceptable reduction on the risk of complications and time to definitive reduction.

Method

This was a retrospective observational study of patients with ankle fracture-dislocations between 2013 to 2017 at the Northern General Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED). Information collected from 2 patient groups (with and without pre-reduction radiographs), included patient demographics, time to accepted reduction, number of manipulations, operations, and subsequent complications.

Results

242 patients were identified. Time from arrival in ED to acceptable reduction was significantly longer in patients with pre-reduction radiographs versus patients without (184.5 vs 82 minutes, p < 0.00), but did not increase the overall risk of complications (p = 0.62). Pre-reduction radiographs were associated with insignificantly higher rates of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (p = 0.17) and slightly longer wait time for definitive intervention (1 vs 2 days, p = 0.72). However, this had no relationship with the number of manipulations (p = 0.53).

Conclusions

The use of pre-reduction radiographs significantly increased time to acceptable reduction of ankle fracture-dislocations. However, this was not associated with increased risk of complications or time to definitive management.

P–712 Ovulation induction in type 1 anovulation: a comparative study using gonadotrophins and the GnRH pump

Study question

Is there a difference in treatment outcome between gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) pump or hMG for women with Type 1 anovulation undergoing ovulation induction?

Summary answer

Treatment with GnRH was more efficient compared to hMG, with fewer number of cycles to pregnancy, fewer days of stimulation and fewer cycle cancellations.

What is known already

Whilst there is a lot of information on ovulation induction in WHO type II anovulation (PCOS), type 1 anovulation is under-represented in research. WHO type 1 anovulation is characterised by low pituitary gonadotrophins and oestradiol. Treatment options used to include induction of ovulation using gonadotrophins (hMG) or the Gonadotrophin hormone releasing hormone (GnRH) pump delivering pulsatile GnRH. Since the withdrawal of GnRH pump, options have become limited. One study reveals that monofollicular cycles are lower and cycle cancellation higher in women with Type 1 anovulation women treated with gonadotrophins. Study design, size, duration: This is a single centre retrospective cohort study. All women with a diagnosis of WHO type 1 anovulation attending the Reproductive Medicine Unit at the University College London Hospital who received ovulation induction treatment using either hMG or GnRH pump between 1993 and 2020 were included in the study

Participants/materials, setting, methods

147 women with WHO type 1 anovulation were included in the study. Diagnosis was based on the presence of primary or secondary amenorrhoea in combination with low gonadotrophins and oestradiol. Demographic and clinical data were obtained by reviewing medical records stored within an electronic database. A total of 599 treatment cycles were identified. Statistical analysis between the groups was performed using the independent T test and chi squared test.

Main results and the role of chance

147 women with WHO type 1 anovulation underwent ovulation induction. hMG was used in 500 cycles (83.5%) and the GnRH pump in 99 cycles (16.5%). Per cycle started the pregnancy rate in the hMG cycles was 107/500 (21.4%) and in the GnRH pump cycles was 19/99 (19.2%) p = 0.36. Cycle cancellation was significantly greater in hMG than GnRH pump cycles (hMG 137/ 500 27.4% vs GnRH pump 17/99 17.2% p = 0.02). Over response was more common in hMG cycles than GnRH pump cycles (66/130 50.8% vs 3/16 18.8% p = 0.01). A total of 363/500 (72.5%) cycles in the hMG and 82/99 (82.8%) cycles in the GnRH pump group reached ovulation. There was no difference in the pregnancy rate after ovulation (hMG 107/363 29.5% vs GnRH pump 19/82 23.2% p = 0.15). The mean number of treatment cycles to achieve pregnancy was significantly fewer with the GnRH pump compared to hMG (1.8 (min 1 – max 3) vs 2.4 ( min 1 – max 8) p = 0.03).The mean days of stimulation required to reach ovulation was also significantly less with the GnRH pump compared to hMG (16.7 (min 8 – max 34) vs 23.4 (min 7 – max 72) p = <0.001).

Limitations, reasons for caution

This is a retrospective cohort study and is reliant on the quality and quantity of the data entry at the time of clinical treatment.

Wider implications of the findings: Ovulation induction for women with type 1 anovulation is now restricted to a single treatment, namely hMG. hMG is not as effective or optimal as GnRH. Reinstating GnRH in routine clinical practice should be promoted to allow more individualised treatment options and prevent the premature need for in vitro fertilisation..

Trial registration number

NA

P–384 First trimester pregnancy outcomes after confirmed SARS-CoV–2 infection in the community; a nationwide prospective longitudinal study of 10,000 pregnant women from the COVID–19 pandemic

Study question

Are pregnant women in the community with confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV–2 infection, at increased risk of an early miscarriage?

Summary answer

Women diagnosed with COVID–19 in their first trimester were not at increased risk of an early miscarriage. What is known already: In the earliest stages of the pandemic, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, independently advised against starting assisted reproductive treatments. At the time of this recommendation, among other reasons, there were concerns about the complications of SARS-CoV–2 during pregnancy and the potential for vertical transmission.

We now having growing evidence that pregnant women are at an increased risk of severe illness along with higher rates of preterm births in those with severe acute respiratory syndrome. However, data on the impact of community infections of SARS-CoV–2 in early pregnancy has been sparse.

Study design, size, duration

This is an online survey study undertaken in the UK between May and November 2020. Pregnant women at any stage in their pregnancy were invited to participate in the study. Study participants were asked to complete online surveys at the end of each trimester. 10, 430 women were recruited to take part in the study. Participants/materials, setting, methods: We analysed pregnancy outcomes from women who were under 13 weeks gestation at the time of registration. We compared miscarriage rates among women with a confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV–2 infection to healthy controls. Those in the control group had not been diagnosed with or had symptoms of SARS-CoV–2 infection nor did they have any household contacts that were diagnosed with or had symptoms of SARS-CoV–2 infection.

Main results and the role of chance

10, 430 pregnant women were recruited to participate in the study. 2934 were under 13 weeks gestation at the time of registration. The median age was 32.6 [IQR 29.8–35.6]. The median gestational age at registration was 8 weeks [IQR [6–10]. 246 women reported a miscarriage before 13 weeks of gestation. The overall miscarriage rate before 13 weeks of gestation was 8.4% (95% CI 7.3%–9.4%).

68 women reported a confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV–2 infection in their first trimester. The overall rate of confirmed SARS-CoV–2 infections in the first trimester was 2.3% (95% CI 1.8–2.9%). 3/68 (4.4%) were asymptomatic. Among those reporting symptoms, the commonest symptoms were fatigue (82%), headache (69%) and loss of smell/taste (69%). Only 38% of those with a confirmed diagnosis reported a fever. None of the 68 women with confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV–2 infection were hospitalised.

The rate of miscarriage before 13 weeks of gestation in women who were diagnosed with SARS-CoV–2 infections was not significantly higher compared to healthy controls (11.8% versus 9.3%, p = 0.35). A further 35 women had household contacts with confirmed SARS-CoV–2 infection although they themselves had not been diagnosed. No miscarriages were reported in this group.

Limitations, reasons for caution

None of the 68 patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV–2 were hospitalised. We do not know whether the rate of miscarriage among hospitalised women with SARS-CoV–2 infection is the same as those with community infections.

Wider implications of the findings: The overall rate of miscarriage during the pandemic was not higher than rates occurring outside of the pandemic. The rate of miscarriage among women diagnosed with SARS-CoV–2 infection was not significantly higher compared to healthy controls. This data can be used to counsel women planning a pregnancy during this pandemic

Trial registration number

Not applicable

P–592 Safety and effectiveness of follitropin alfa biosimilar to originator follitropin alfa in real-world clinical practice: A Multinational Comparative, Prospective Cohort Study

Study question

Are safety and effectiveness of Ovaleap® (follitropin alfa), and Gonal-f®, comparable in one treatment cycle of ART in routine clinical practice?

Summary answer

Safety in terms of incidence proportions of OHSS and OHSS severity, as well as pregnancy and live birth rates, were similar between Ovaleap® and Gonal-f®.

What is known already

Ovaleap® (Theramex), a r-hFSH, is a biosimilar medicinal product to Gonal-f® (Merck). As a biosimilar, it went through a rigorous series of physio-chemical, in vitro, in vivo tests and confirmatory Phase I and III studies, to demonstrate similarity/equivalence in quality, safety and efficacy to the reference medicinal product, per the European Medicines Agency (EMA) guidelines. Ovaleap® was approved by the EMA in 2013 for use at the same dose and for the same therapeutic indications as Gonal-f®. Further outcome data from a broader patient population on safety and live birth outcomes provides clinically important insights on newly introduced FSH medicines.

Study design, size, duration

SOFIA (Safety of Ovaleap® Follitropin alfa in Infertile women undergoing superovulation for Assisted reproductive technologies) was a multi-national, comparative, non-interventional, prospective cohort study. The study was performed at 56 centers specializing in ART from six European countries, (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom) from January 2017 to September 2019 and comprised of 817 infertile women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in one treatment cycle for ART

Participants/materials, setting, methods

The study population comprised of infertile women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for ART, who were administered Ovaleap® or Gonal-f® and were naïve to any FSH containing products. Eligible patients were enrolled at a ratio of approximately 1:1, both within and between countries. They were followed up to 30 days after the last FSH dose administration. Women who had a confirmed clinical pregnancy were followed until the end of the pregnancy or until delivery.

Main results and the role of chance

A total of 408 and 409 women who were administered Ovaleap® or Gonal-f®, respectively, were eligible for analysis. A total of 382 patients (94%) in the Ovaleap® and 390 patients (95%) in the Gonal-f® cohort completed FSH treatment (up to oocyte maturation triggering), respectively. The two cohorts were generally similar with regard to demographic and baseline characteristics. The incidence proportion of OHSS was 5.1% (95% CI: 3.4, 7.7) in the Ovaleap® and 3.2% (95% CI: 1.9, 5.4) in the Gonal-f® cohort. This difference in OHSS incidence proportion between the two cohorts was not statistically significant neither before (p = 0.159) nor after univariate adjustment for each potential confounder (p > 0.05). The incidence proportion of OHSS severity grades was similar in the two treatment groups (3.4% versus 2.0% for Grade I, 1.2% versus 1.0% Grade II, and 0.5% versus 0.2% Grade III, in the Ovaleap® and Gonal-f® cohorts, respectively) and without a significant statistical difference (p = 0.865, for each grade). Among patients who had embryo transfer, clinical pregnancy rates were 33% and 31%, live birth rates 27% and 26% in the Ovaleap® and Gonal-f® cohorts, respectively.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Since treatment was non-randomised, the study may have been susceptible to selection bias. This was addressed at both the design stage, by balancing recruitment to a 1:1 ratio for Ovaleap® and Gonal-f® treatments, and also at the analysis stage in which, a univariate analysis was performed.

Wider implications of the findings: Findings from this first large European prospective comparative real-world SOFIA study demonstrated that effectiveness (pregnancy and delivery rates) and safety (risk and severity of OHSS), were similar between Ovaleap®and Gonal-f® treatments. Ovaleap, a biosimilar r-hFSH is therefore a suitable option for follicular stimulation in routine clinical practice.

Trial registration number

EUPAS17328

Trends in 30-day readmissions following hospitalisation for heart failure by sex, socioeconomic status and ethnicity

BACKGROUND

Reducing the high patient and economic burden of early readmissions after hospitalisation for heart failure (HF) has become a health policy priority of recent years.

METHODS

An observational study linking Hospital Episode Statistics to socioeconomic and death data in England (2002-2018). All first hospitalisations with a primary discharge code for HF were identified. Quasi-poisson models were used to investigate trends in 30-day readmissions by age, sex, socioeconomic status and ethnicity.

FINDINGS

There were 698,983 HF admissions, median age 81 years [IQR 14].In-hospital deaths reduced by 0.7% per annum (pa), whilst additional deaths at 30-days remained stable at 5%. Age adjusted 30-day readmissions (21% overall), increased by 1.4% pa (95% CI 1.3-1.5). Readmissions for HF (6%) and 'other cardiovascular disease (CVD)' (3%) remained stable, but readmissions for non-CVD causes (12%) increased at a rate of 2.6% (2.4-2.7) pa. Proportions were similar by sex but trends diverged by ethnicity. Black groups experienced an increase in readmissions for HF (1.8% pa, interaction-p 0.03) and South Asian groups had more rapidly increasing readmission rates for non-CVD causes (interaction-p 0.04). Non-CVD readmissions were also more prominent in the least (15%; 15-15) compared to the most affluent group (12%; 12-12). Strongest predictors for HF readmission were Black ethnicity and chronic kidney disease, whilst cardiac procedures were protective. For non-CVD readmissions, strongest predictors were non-CVD comorbidities, whilst cardiologist care was protective.

INTERPRETATION

In HF, despite readmission reduction policies, 30-day readmissions have increased, impacting the least affluent and ethnic minority groups the most.

FUNDING

NIHR.

A system dynamics-based scenario analysis of residential solid waste management in Kisumu, Kenya

The problem of solid waste management presents an issue of increasing importance in many low-income settings, including the progressively urbanised context of Kenya. Kisumu County is one such setting with an estimated 500 t of waste generated per day and with less than half of it regularly collected. The open burning and natural decay of solid waste is an important source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and atmospheric pollutants with adverse health consequences. In this paper, we use system dynamics modelling to investigate the expected impact on GHG and PM_2.5 emissions of (i) a waste-to-biogas initiative and (ii) a regulatory ban on the open burning of waste in landfill. We use life tables to estimate the impact on mortality of the reduction in PM_2.5 exposure. Our results indicate that combining these two interventions can generate over 1.1 million tonnes of cumulative savings in GHG emissions by 2035, of which the largest contribution (42%) results from the biogas produced replacing unclean fuels in household cooking. Combining the two interventions is expected to reduce PM_2.5 emissions from the waste and residential sectors by over 30% compared to our baseline scenario by 2035, resulting in at least around 1150 cumulative life years saved over 2021–2035. The contribution and novelty of this study lies in the quantification of a potential waste-to-biogas scenario and its environmental and health impact in Kisumu for the first time.

•

We present a system dynamics study of solid waste management in Kisumu, Kenya.

•

Scenarios involve a waste-to-biogas initiative and a ban on open burning in landfill.

•

Combined scenario generates 1.1m tonnes cumulative GHG savings by 2035.

•

Largest contribution (42%) is from biogas substituting traditional cooking fuels.

•

Combined scenario may save 1,150 cumulative life years by 2035, plus ~220 more p.a.

Home Energy Efficiency and Subjective Health in Greater London

The UK has introduced legislation that requires net-zero greenhouse gas emissions to be achieved by 2050. Improving the energy efficiency of homes is a key objective to help reach this target, and the UK government's Clean Growth Strategy aims to get many homes up to an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band of C by 2035. The relationship between home energy-efficiency and occupant health and wellbeing remains an area of ongoing research. This paper explores the nexus between home energy efficiency, energy consumption and self-reported health-an indicator of the general health and wellbeing of the population. We focus on Greater London through secondary data analysis. Energy-efficiency ratings and air infiltration rates of dwellings, derived from EPCs, were aggregated and matched to local area self-reported health and energy consumption data obtained from the Greater London Authority's (GLA) Lower Layer Super Output Area (LSOA) Atlas database. Our regression model indicates that improving the energy efficiency (SAP) rating by 10 points for a typical home may reduce household gas consumption by around 7% (95% CIs: 2%, 14%). Beta regression finds a positive, but not statistically significant association between median SAP rating and the proportion of the population reporting 'good or very good' health when considering all Greater London LSOAs (z score = 0.60, p value = 0.55). A statistically significant positive association is observed however when repeating the analysis for the lowest income quartile LSOAs (z score = 2.03, p value = 0.04). This indicates that the least well-off may benefit most from home energy efficiency programs. A statistically significant positive association is also observed for the relationship between self-reported health and air infiltration rates (z score = 2.62, p value = 0.01). The findings support existing evidence for the predominantly naturally ventilated UK housing stock, suggesting that home energy efficiency measures provide a co-benefit for occupant health provided that adequate air exchange is maintained.

Links between the amount of antipsychotic medication prescribed per population at general practice level, local demographic factors and medication selection

BACKGROUND

Antipsychotic medications are the first-line pharmacological intervention for severe mental illnesses (SMI) such as schizophrenia and other psychoses, while also being used to relieve distress and treat neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia. Our aim was to examine the factors relating to antipsychotic prescribing in general practices across England and how cost changes in recent years have impacted on antipsychotic prescribing.

METHODS

The study examined over time the prescribing volume and prices paid for antipsychotic medication by agent in primary care. Monthly prescribing in primary care was consolidated over 5 years (2013-2018) and DDD amount from WHO/ATC for each agent was used to convert the amount to total DDD/practice. The defined Daily Dose (DDD is the assumed average maintenance dose per day for a drug used for its main indication in adults.

RESULTS

We included 5750 general practices with practice population > 3000 and with > 30 people on their SMI register. In 2018/19 there were 10,360,865 prescriptions containing 136 million DDD with costs of £110 million at an average cost of £0.81/DDD issued in primary care. In 2017/18 there was a sharp increase in overall prices and they had not reduced to expected levels by the end of the 2018/19 evaluation year. There was a gradual increase in antipsychotic prescribing over 2013-2019 which was not perturbed by the increase in drug price in 2017/18. The strongest positive relation to increased prescribing of antipsychotics came from higher social disadvantage, higher population density (urban), and comorbidities e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Higher % younger and % older populations, northerliness and non-white (Black and Minority Ethnic(BAME)) ethnicity were all independently associated with less antipsychotic prescribing. Higher DDD/general practice population was linked with higher proportion(%) injectable, higher %liquid, higher doses/prescription and higher %zuclopenthixol depot. Less DDD/population was linked with general practices using higher % risperidone and higher spending/dose of antipsychotic.

CONCLUSIONS

The levels of antipsychotic prescribing at general practice level are driven by social factors/comorbidities. We found a link between depot prescriptions with higher antipsychotic DDD and risperidone prescriptions with lower antipsychotic DDD. It is important that all prescribers are aware of these drivers / links.

Exploring the perceptions of emotional distress among couples living with Type 2 diabetes and among diabetes healthcare providers, and consideration of support needs

AIMS

To compare the emotional distress experienced by people with Type 2 diabetes with the perceptions of their partners, and to explore the perceptions of healthcare providers and how these differ from the perceptions and experiences of couples living with Type 2 diabetes regarding their support needs.

METHODS

A purposive sample of people with Type 2 diabetes and their partners was recruited through Diabetes UK media outlets and support groups, while healthcare providers were recruited through hospital and diabetes education teams. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

Seven people with Type 2 diabetes and six partners took part in separate semi-structured interviews and seven healthcare providers took part in focus groups. Themes emerged regarding unique psychological struggles for people with Type 2 diabetes: 'sense of restriction'; 'disempowerment'; and 'acceptance of diabetes'. For partners the themes of 'feeling responsible' and 'need for greater involvement' emerged. Common themes arising from people with Type 2 diabetes, partners and healthcare providers highlighted diabetes-related stresses: 'self-care struggles' and 'perceived need for appropriate psychological support'. A key theme drawn from healthcare providers was 'perceived professional barriers to psychological support', which captures concerns related to providing emotional support in clinical practice.

CONCLUSIONS

People with Type 2 diabetes, partners, and healthcare providers share a common understanding of the emotional stresses of living with Type 2 diabetes, but also experience diabetes differently depending on their role and responsibilities. All face barriers that need to be considered to ensure that emotional support in diabetes is meaningful and feasible in routine practice.

Simultaneous pelvic exenteration and liver resection for primary rectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases: results from the PelvEx Collaborative

AIM

At presentation, 15-20% of patients with rectal cancer already have synchronous liver metastases. The aim of this study was to determine the surgical and survival outcomes in patients with advanced rectal cancer who underwent combined pelvic exenteration and liver (oligometastatic) resection.

METHOD

Data from 20 international institutions that performed simultaneous pelvic exenteration and liver resection between 2007 and 2017 were accumulated. Primarily, we examined perioperative outcomes, morbidity and mortality. We also assessed the impact that margin status had on survival.

RESULTS

Of 128 patients, 72 (56.2%) were men with a median age of 60 years [interquartile range (IQR) 15 years]. The median size of the liver oligometastatic deposits was 2 cm (IQR 1.8 cm). The median duration of surgery was 406 min (IQR 240 min), with a median blood loss of 1090 ml (IQR 2010 ml). A negative resection margin (R0 resection) was achieved in 73.5% of pelvic exenterations and 66.4% of liver resections. The 30-day mortality rate was 1.6%, and 32% of patients had a major postoperative complication. The 5-year overall survival for patients in whom an R0 resection of both primary and metastatic disease was achieved was 54.6% compared with 20% for those with an R1/R2 resection (P = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous pelvic exenteration and liver resection is feasible, with acceptable morbidity and mortality. Simultaneous resection should only be performed where an R0 resection of both pelvic and hepatic disease is anticipated.

Anterior translation of the tibia in relation to femur in mucoid degeneration of ACL - An observational study

Background

Mucoid degeneration (MD) of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are a well-known pathological entity.We have encountered several patients with MD of the ACL, found to have a anterior translation of tibia a exceeding 5 mm with an intact ACL. We studied this cohort and investigated the likely cause of this.

Methods

A retrospective search of our department's radiology system to identify all patients referred from the knee orthopaedic clinic for MR imaging over a span of 10 years. All patients had MD within the substance of the ACL and an intact ACL. We evaluated the degree of anterior translation of the tibia (ATT) in relation to the femur in mucoid degeneration of ACL.

Results

We identified 464 consecutive cases. The mean age was 52 years. There was a male predominance of 261 to 203 female. The average PTF measurement was 2.4 mm with a range of 0-20mm. Of the 464 cases, 3 397 patients had an insignificant ATT of < 5 mm. (0mm. 67. 67 67 patients had a ATT >5 mm. Of them, 32.8% had a ATT of 6 mm, 53.7% had a ATT range between 7 and 9 mm, with the remaining 13.4% above 9 mm in length.

Conclusion

It is essential to look for other secondary signs of ACL tears and not only focus on ATT as well as correlate this with clinical findings.